Definitions and Types of Literature

Great literature stimulates thought and reveals fundamental truths about life and human nature.

Great literature inspires moral values and improves character, making us better individuals.

The unique way a writer sees life and expresses ideas, marking their distinctive voice.

Great literature evokes emotions, stirs the imagination, and provides visions that transcend ordinary life.

Literature is a written record of man's thoughts and feelings, preserving cultural identities.

The literature before colonization in the Philippines, characterized by legends and oral traditions.

A form of prose that commonly explains the origin of a thing, place, or name, prevalent in pre-colonial works.

Literature deals with permanent and universal themes that resonate across cultures and time.

Literature preserved and passed down by word of mouth.

Literature created using written words by authors.

Stories about life, adventure, and lessons often featuring moral points.

Long narrative poems about heroic deeds and significant events.

Narratives that explain cultural origins using symbolic language.

Traditional songs reflecting the culture of early societies.

Qualities that distinguish great literature, such as permanence and universality.

The quality of literature to remain relevant and meaningful over time.

Literature that exposes injustices in Philippine society after the war, such as in Dekada '70 by Lualhati Bautista.

A literary movement focusing on real-world issues instead of romantic themes, showing society's struggles.

Banning or restricting literary works, often leading to underground distribution during Martial Law.

Works that depict the harsh realities of life during Martial Law, highlighting human rights abuses.

Writing that critiques government actions and exposes social injustices, inspiring activism.

Exploration of Filipino identity amidst globalization and digital influences in contemporary works.

A form of performance poetry that emerged in contemporary literature, focusing on delivering powerful messages.

Secret publications that criticize the government, often operating during oppressive regimes.

A period when Japan controlled the Philippines, affecting culture and language.

Writings that depicted nationalism, social issues, and cultural identity during Japanese rule.

Literary focus on poverty, inequality, and political corruption during occupation.

Shifted from traditional styles to free verse reflecting modern themes.

Dominant literary form that explored social and psychological themes.

A 17-syllable poem consisting of three lines: 5-7-5 syllables.

Similar to Haiku; a Filipino form of poetry often with rhyme.

An underground radio program providing outside contact during the occupation.

A book about the life and sufferings of Jesus Christ.

Verses that serve as laws or rules on good behavior, often allegorical.

Short, rhymed questions with measured lines, part of oral literature.

Used in witchcraft or enchantment as a form of incantation.

Verses in rhyming couplets that express moral lessons.

The first novel in English written by Zoilo Galang.

The first short story written in English by Paz Marquez Benitez.

A newspaper titled 'The New Day' during the Spanish colonial period.

The era in the Philippines after 1946 characterized by national independence and literary reflection on trauma from WWII.

Author of 'Without Seeing the Dawn,' revealing the atrocities of World War II in the Philippines.

A prominent writer who explored identity and colonial mentality in 'The Woman Who Had Two Navels.'

A modernist poet known for 'Footnote to Youth,' focusing on language and structure in poetry.

Poet noted for 'Isang Dipang Langit,' addressing social injustice and oppression.

Author of nationalist essays like 'I Am a Filipino,' discussing identity and independence.

Playwright known for 'Three Rats,' a psychological drama about betrayal.

Themes like poverty, corruption, and neocolonialism tackled in literature during the post-war period.